Is George Clooney gay?

When the world heard that George Clooney is single after his recent split from model Elisabetta Canalis, rumours about his sexuality went into overdrive.

But his close friend has dismissed rumours that ‘Hollywood’s most eligible bacherlor’ is gay.

Businessman Manuele Malenotti, who owns clothing firm Belstaff, said the 50-year-old Hollywood star had broken up with glamorous model, simply because he did not want to settle down and have children.

"I have known George for ten years, I have spent a lot of time with him and a lot of women have passed through his life," the Daily Mail quoted him as telling Italian magazine Chi.

"You never know in life, and men are having an identity crisis but I can tell you George is not gay," he added.

Malenotti, who said he introduced the couple two years ago, denied the relationship was just a publicity stunt, amid rumours in Italy that Miss Canalis had been paid to attend red carpet events with Clooney.

“I introduced them, I saw them together and I can say their love story was very intense,” he said.

“In two years, they shared numerous moments. He opened the doors of his life to her, introducing her to his friends and family. I totally exclude that it was all made up,” he added.

Malenotti, however, said that he knew the relationship would not last.

“All I can say is that George, when it comes to love, has decided that he is not going to get married again and he is not going to have any children and he won’t change his mind,” he added.